Presenting the Grand Slams of the Betting World.
From the crack of the bat to the snap of a fastball careening into a glove, Major League Baseball is rife with distinctive sounds. It’s also filled with opportunities to make money, especially if you’re serious about baseball betting.
From the crack of the bat to the snap of a fastball careening into a glove, Major League Baseball is rife with distinctive sounds. It’s also filled with opportunities to make money, especially if you’re serious about baseball betting.In this article, we’ll look at some of the basics regarding MLB gambling. Whether you’re looking to make a few casual bets during the finals days of the pennant race or grind it out over an entire season, this information should prove helpful in getting you headed in the right direction.
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Types of Baseball Bets
Depending on which sportsbook you use, available MLB wagers can range from the traditional to the downright bizarre. In this section, I’ve included the most common forms of baseball betting options that you’re likely to come across.
- First Five Innings:
If you hate dealing with relief pitchers, you can choose this option and focus on the starters. As the name would indicate, these wagers only count the initial five innings of an MLB contest. - Point Spreads:
The underdog team has points added to their final score, while the favored club has points deducted. In order to win, you must correctly predict the winner after these modifications have been factored in. - Money Lines:
This straightforward style of wager only requires the bettor to pick the outright winner of the game. Examples of money line bets include +250 and -175. If the case of +250, the team is an underdog (indicated by the plus sign) that pays $250 for every $100 wagered. In the case of -175 (indicated by the negative sign), the team is favored to win and requires the bettor to risk $175 in order to collect $100. - Run Lines:
The same as point spread betting, although the odds are always set at +1.5 and -1.5. If these games go less than nine innings due to weather or other factors, then there’s no action. - Propositions:
More commonly referred to as a “prop” bet, this form of wager allows predictions on specific elements within a game. An example would be an over/under on the exact number of strikeouts by a pitcher in an upcoming contest. - Futures:
This type of wager allows gamblers to predict events months in advance. The most common future bet involves picking the World Series winner prior to the start of the MLB season, although the league MVP is another notable example. - Over/Under:
The oddsmaker determines the total number of runs that will be scored by both teams, and the bettor decides if the actual total will be higher (over) or lower (under). These games must last a full nine innings. - Grand Salami:
The oddsmaker comes up with a single number to reflect the total runs scored by all teams playing on a specific day. The bettor then tries to predict if the actual total for all MLB games will be higher or lower. - Parlays:
The bettor places two or more wagers and links them together in an attempt to make more money. The profits increase with each correct selection, although all picks must be right in order for the gambler to receive a payout.
Tips for Baseball Betting
If you want to improve your chances of winning on a consistent basis, give these helpful suggestions a try:
- Pace Yourself:
Don’t try to bet on every game. Only wager on those where you feel there’s a distinct edge over the book. - Play the Over/Under:
Bookmakers are often vulnerable in this area, so be sure to take advantage. - Bet Underdogs & Moneylines:
MLB dogs often manage to win. Combine this with money line wagers, and you can make a profit even with an overall losing percentage. - Look for Reduced Juice:
When a site offers less vig, you can save money from the outset. - Pay Attention to the Bullpen:
Starting pitchers are important, but the relievers are often the difference makers down the stretch.
Conclusion
Some sports gamblers contend that baseball betting is one of the easiest options, as the underdog frequently manages to come out on top. Others argue in the opposite direction, especially if they’ve lost a lot of money on the hobby over the years. The truth is ultimately a matter of perspective, as anyone who fails to properly prepare is leaving their fortunes in the hands of fate. If you want to make a profit by betting on MLB games, you need a combination of patience, blind luck, money management skills, and a talent for statistical analysis.